7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A New Favorite, February 3, 2010
This review is from: Heavy Metal Pulp: Pleasure Model: Netherworld Book One (Netherworld (Heavy Metal)) (Paperback)
In the beginning of "Pleasure Model" you meet Angela who has been in hiding for the past 25 years from the killers who murdered her fiance. She is now "Mistress Julia", a dominatrix, living in New York. Her latest client is murdered and she barely escapes with her life but not before she over hears the killers talking and realizes that these are the same killers from decades ago and they've found her. She now has to find help with going into hiding again and this time she needs to remain hidden.
You then meet Rook who is a homicide detective investigating the murder of a retired General (who so happens to be Julia's client). When Rook's boss starts acting out of character and the FBI cyborgs start breathing down his neck (so to speak), he begins to get suspicious. He finds that the General had a Pleasure Model (a lab grown humanoid built for pleasure in more ways than one). Rook decides that Plesur (as the model likes to be called) could be a witness to the murder, and when some of the other detectives start planning on a "night of Plesur" he sneeks her out of the police department to keep her safe until he can find out what she knows and then take the case to trial. From here on out the point of view goes back and forth between Julia and Rook, but focuses more on Rook.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Goodreads, not really knowing what to expect. I've never read a pulp/noir book before and other than the animated movie from the 80's, I had never heard of anything by Heavy Metal before this. Although I didn't like it as much as the movie, I really did enjoy reading this book. There's just enough action and twists and turns to keep you not wanting to put the book down, and even if you didn't get fully entertained, the page count combined with the font size can make it easy to read this book in one setting. It's set in the future, but doesn't overwhelm you with made up names and phrases and gadgets that leave you confused or throwing the book down. You don't really get a lot of info on the world at this time (or even what time they are in) but I don't think the story really needs all that. The author goes right to the action and tells you just enough so that you understand what's going on, and the pictures compliment the story nicely.
I do think the cover is a bit misleading since although the book has a sexy feel to it, there is not much sex at all. What scenes there are, consist of maybe a couple of sentences and aren't very descriptive. Of course, I could be a bad judge on this since I primarily read Romance novels, but I would say it's appropriate for any high schooler.
I also can see where some women may not like this book. Being a 30 something woman myself, I can definately see how it's geared more toward men. With all the futuristic gadgets, invisible asassins & exploding heads, what man wouldn't love it? As far as the Pleasure Models objectifying women, etc. I don't think so. Yes, they are made stereotypically perfect, with big chests and lips and low IQs, but the main character resisted Plesur's advances over and over instead of taking advantage of her and when having the choice of a woman "made for sex" or a real woman to sleep with, he chose the real woman. And yes, most models in the book are treated horribly, but this treatment disgusted Rook and for the most part, Julia as well. I can totally see that if made today, the models would be made and treated the same way, with some people thinking it's ok and others not so much.
All in all, I thought it was great and can't wait until the next book in the series comes out.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Pleasure, February 2, 2010
This review is from: Heavy Metal Pulp: Pleasure Model: Netherworld Book One (Netherworld (Heavy Metal)) (Paperback)
I read this book in three "sittings." In the last, I didn't get up to feed the birds, let out the cat etc. I had to keep reading. It moved so quickly. Toward the end, I couldn't read it fast enough.
"Pleasure Model" has action, speed, and a gene-grown gorgeous girl. Her very existence, let alone what is going to happen to her, breaks new SF ground. And if you can't put it down, its length makes it so you don't have to. The cleverly crafted construction arranges puzzle pieces of people and plot in a strong satisfying finish.
Just looking at Plesur is a privilege. As an extra bonus, Rowley is a writer with a way with words.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pleasure Model, February 23, 2010
This review is from: Heavy Metal Pulp: Pleasure Model: Netherworld Book One (Netherworld (Heavy Metal)) (Paperback)
I found the book enjoyable. Reads easy and fast with a great futuristic story that you want to be part of. Worth ning and even reading twice.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
